“I just love to play and write all of the time. Finding people who want to do that with you isn’t always easy, but we made it work. And with this bunch of songs, it made it all worth it.”
And worth it it was.
Across the 10 tracks on Factories, Farms & Amphetamines – which dropped January 13th via Low Country Sound/Elektra – Myron Elkins crafts sharp observations informed by his blue collar Michigan upbringing, infusing his God-given blues rock prowess and ageless voice with his unique personal experience.
Factories, Farms & Amphetamines reflects the grit and grease of down-home country, classic rock, and the blues from Elkins childhood. Despite being a legal drinker for less than a year, the 21-year-old harnesses the vocal power that lies somewhere between Gregg Allman and Chris Stapleton. It’s a classically curious case of the youthful face not necessarily matching the seasoned voice.
Setting the tone on the buzzsaw of an album, Elkin’s opening track, “Sugartooth,” sizzles with a barn burnin’ blues guitar groove and a southern swamp feel, reeling the listener into the party from the jump.
Drawing on stories from where he comes from, the title track, “Factories, Farms & Amphetamines,” is a genuine look at what it’s like growing up and facing blue-collar challenges due to your circumstances.
“I actually wrote a lot of these songs on the album in my head while I was welding,” says Elkins.
Two months before recording Factories, Farms & Amphetamines – which was produced by renowned Nashville producer Dave Cobb – Elkins was still working his factory job, earning his keep.
Another notable track on the record is the soon to be a casino club anthem, “Nashville Money.” The seventh track draws on classic country tropes in a rock country revival dealing with money, fame, lack of substance, and all things associated with hitting the jackpot.
Elkins’ first single, “Hands to Myself,” takes a look at small town domestic violence. Opening with a pulsing bass line followed by his quick wit, the tune is driven by springy guitar and a Bob Seger-style sensuality.
“Wrong Side of the River” reflects on what it’s like being born just outside the dollars and flashing lights. Elkins disguises sad truths in a boot-tapping beat throughout.
The album closes with the final track, “Good Time Girl,” where Elkins laments “feeling low after never being too high.” His mid tempo twang makes for an easy listen, and ends the album in high spirits.
In addition to Elkins and Cobb, Factories, Farms & Amphetamines also features Elkins’ touring band: Jake Bartlett (drums), Nathan Johnson (bass), Caleb Stampfler (lead guitar) and Avry Whitaker (guitar).
“We always used to joke about how we were going to get Dave Cobb to do our first album,” Elkins admits. “Then one day, I was on a call with him.”
MYRON ELKINS CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
February 10 /// Minneapolis, MN /// Varsity Theater*
February 11 /// Madison, WI /// Majestic Theatre*
February 13 /// Chicago, IL /// Chop Shop*
February 14 /// Detroit, MI /// El Club*
February 15 /// Cleveland, OH /// Grog Shop*
February 17 /// Boston, MA /// Paradise Rock Club*
February 18 /// Brooklyn, NY /// Brooklyn Bowl*
February 20 /// Ardmore, PA /// Ardmore Music Hall*
February 21 /// Washington, DC /// Union Stage*
April 20 /// Miramar Beach, FL /// Seascape Resort
April 29 /// Highlands, NC /// Bear Shadow 2023
June 8 /// Virginia Beach, VA /// Elevation 27
June 9 /// Brooklyn, NY /// Brooklyn Made
